I guess this makes me “Today’s Mama”?

Look what kind of trouble the wife got me into:
A post I wrote after Elle was born is being featured at TodaysMama.com.

My wife thinks this is hilarious. I think she’s jealous she didn’t write it first.

Here is her site:

 

The Need for Discipline?

Moving has not been a walk in the park.  In many ways, it could seem like a sexy idea to pack up and move from Ohio to Florida.  But, it’s been tough.  It certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing.  Luckily, a great, caring and supportive church has helped.  Encouragement from friends has also been uplifting.  More importantly, the reminder of God’s faithful love and pleasure in us, has been our stronghold in this move.

 

What You See is Either Taught or Allowed

“What you see is either taught or allowed.”

A simple phrase that has stuck with me.  I first heard it from a varsity football coach who hired me as a head 8th grade football coach.  The point behind this statement is pretty powerful:

As a coach, whatever product I saw on the field was the result of what had been taught or allowed.  If my players lacked discipline, it was because it was either taught or allowed by me or my staff.  If my team looked unorganized, or disinterested, it’s because it was either taught or allowed.  In football, this is why fundamentals, organization and discipline are so essential for success.  In short, this statement is a great teaching point for leadership of any kind.

Think about this statement in these environments:

 

Thanks Moms!

Seriously, are there any  harder workers than moms?  I think that we would hard pressed  to discover a more demanding job.  Being married to a beautiful mother of a 3 and 1 year old, gives me a crystal clear shot of the effort, love and intentionality it takes to be a good mom.  So, Amber, thanks for all that you do.  Our kids love and adore you.  They reflect your heart and your spirit.  Thanks for your investment in and care for our little ones — they are and will make you make you proud.  God has chosen you for the most important job in the world — thanks for letting Him work through you.

Go Moms!

 

A Ton of Changes…

The Call to Florida…

Well, it’s been forever since I last blogged and there’s good reason for that.  My family and I, after a strong call from God, uprooted 1,200 miles from Canton, Ohio to Tampa, Florida.  The move honestly was a 2 year process.  God had been preparing me for several years for something new with phrases like, “Spread your wings” and “something new.”  There is no doubt that God had a new ministry assignment for me and because of my love for Him, I had to be obedient.  The move has been physically, emotionally and Spiritually draining for many reasons.  I left family, comfort, success, familiarity and influence for something completely new and unknown.  But, without a doubt, God’s hand has been in this process and we feel so blessed to be in Tampa — working with an amazing church.   You can read more about our move here

Needless to say, moving is a crazy process.  But here are a few things I’ve learned about God, leadership and family during this time:

 

Hurt

I recently started to read a great book that provides wonderful insight into the world of teenagers. Hurt: an inside look of today’s teenager by Chap Clark is a great book so far. The writing is packed full of study and insight into the reality of teen culture, which has been wounded by neglect and adult-driven focus in many institutions. For those of you who work with teens, I strongly recommend you joining me in reading this book. I would love to share comments and have some insightful conversation from the reading. Here is the way Clark ends chapter 1 (this should give you a great snap-shot of the content of the book):

 

A Near Year…A New Day

This song totally captures what I love about the rawness of life.  This video was shot backstage by artist Charlie Hall at the turn of 2009.  The lyrics to this song have always connected with my soul — especially this verse:

“Where hope can hold my hand of sorrow

And we can walk into tomorrow

Where peace is found in troubled days

And the joy of Jesus carries pain”

It’s the hope of Jesus and the joy of knowing Him…and continuing to discover who I am in Him…that should and will carry me in 2009.

Please take some time to listen to this song and find your true hope for a new day in 2009.

 

A Christmas Prayer

If you’ve been praying for God to do a work in work in me, well, He definitely is.  The last couple of days, God has opened my eyes to a ton of things and seems to be pruning in all of the right places.

Having a few days away from work has really shown me how important it is to be a good parent.  Jace, our 2 and a half year old son, has been eating up my time at home.  He loves it.  For whatever reason, God has broken my heart for him so many times the past few days.  God has reminded me of some major shortcomings I have as a father — mainly a lack of patience, focus and intentionality.  The realization has hit me like a ton of bricks and at times has literally brought me to my knees in repentance.  I’m not sure why this heaviness and introspection has come on, but I am thankful for it.  Why?  Because I am already changed.  Repentance is a healthy thing…it means an opportunity to “go a different way” and live differently.  I already feel like a different person.  And, most people would probably say that I am a really good dad.  And, I probably am.  But, God is pushing me to be better.  To leave a legacy with my children.  To truly be present when I am home.  To truly invest in my kids when I have the opportunities.  May God continue to push me, break me, restore me and make me better — more like Him.  That is my Christmas prayer.